A MAJOR incident has developed in Tilbury this evening (Wednesday, 12 November) at Brisbane House in Tilbury.

Residents have reported that a water tank in the upper stages of the building burst and footage has been posted social media of water cascading through floors of the tower block.

Emergency services, including Essex Fire and Rescue are on scene.

Thurrock Council has confirmed the building has been evacuated.

Essex Fire and Rescue Services said: "We were called to reports of flooding at Brisbane House, Leicester Road, Tilbury, at 6.26pm tonight (Wednesday November 12, 2025).

"Crews from Grays and Orsett attended the incident, working alongside our colleagues at Thurrock Council and Essex and Suffolk Water. 

"Firefighters isolated the water supply, assisted residents and offered reassurance and welfare support alongside partner agencies.

"Thurrock Council is leading the ongoing response and support for residents and we continue to work closely with them and other partners."

The council issued the following ststement: "Tonight Thurrock Council has been supporting residents who have had to temporarily leave Brisbane House in Tilbury after a burst pipe caused flooding which affected the electricity supply in the block.

"To keep everyone safe, and on advice from the utility company, we have shut off the power to the building, asked residents to leave the premises, and set up a rest centre for those who are unable to stay with family or friends.

"Vulnerable residents are being supported, and emergency accommodation will be provided for those who need it.

 "The water pumps for the other two neighbouring blocks – Freemantle House and Tasmania House – are also located in Brisbane House.

"Because the power has been shut off in that block, the water in those blocks is likely to run out overnight, although their electricity is unaffected. Council officers will be delivering bottled water to these residents and asking them to limit their water use. Emergency repairs will be carried out first thing in the morning.

"We are hugely grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation, and to our colleagues in the emergency services, and the British Red Cross, for supporting local residents through this incident tonight."